Skip to product information
1 of 12

Illinois 81 1950 (Illinois) (Road Sign) STICKER Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal

Illinois 81 1950 (Illinois) (Road Sign) STICKER Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal

Regular price $3.59 USD
Regular price Sale price $3.59 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Illinois 81 (1950) Road Sign - Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal: Design Description

This decal presents a faithful visual representation of an Illinois Route 81 road sign, as it likely appeared in the year 1950. The design is a study in mid-century American highway aesthetics, prioritizing legibility and function.

Artwork Elements

The primary element is the rectangular or near-shield panel, a classic form for road signage of the era. Across the top, the state's name, "ILLINOIS," is prominently displayed in a bold, sans-serif font. This sets the location context and establishes the state authority behind the route.

The route number itself, "81," is presented in large, black numerals, centered on a light (likely white) background. The contrast between the dark numerals and the light field ensures optimal visibility, crucial for drivers at a distance. The font is clean and straightforward, prioritizing clarity over stylistic flourish.

A simple black border frames the entire sign, providing definition and separating the sign from its surrounding environment. The overall impression is one of directness and purpose.

Meaning and Symbolism

The design speaks to a specific historical moment in American transportation. It symbolizes the growth of the nation's highway system, the ease of travel and the expansion of commerce, and the development of the Midwest. The sign's clean design reflects the era's embrace of functionalism and its focus on clarity. The route number, "81," represents a specific connection, a pathway across the Illinois landscape, and a piece of Americana.

Size
Surface

Bulk Discounts Available

These discounts apply to all Kiss-Cut Stickers.

Buy 2+
20% OFF
Buy 5+
30% OFF
Buy 10+
40% OFF
Buy 50+
50% OFF

Automatically applied at checkout.

View full details

Glossy kiss-cut vinyl stickers made for smooth, indoor surfaces — laptops, journals, mirrors, and other finished items. Crisp edges, vivid color, strong hold, and not waterproof.

What “kiss-cut” means: the blade cuts the vinyl layer into the exact shape while leaving the backing liner whole, so pieces separate cleanly and lift off the sheet without tearing. It’s the neatest way to produce shaped stickers and multi-piece sheets.

  • Material: reliable vinyl face with a permanent acrylic adhesive formulated for smooth, non-porous surfaces.
  • Finish: glossy surface that enhances contrast and depth without feeling overly reflective.
  • Printing: eco-solvent inks provide dense color and crisp detail for fine lines and gradients.
  • Use case: intended for indoor environments only — not waterproof. Not recommended for continuous exposure to moisture or dishwashing.
  • Application friendly: easy-peel backing and a liner that releases cleanly to help reduce bubbles and misfeeds during placement.

These stickers perform best on smooth, dust-free surfaces — think laptop lids, sealed notebooks, glass, mirrors, finished shelving and lockers. They’ll stick well where the surface is flat and clean; avoid rough wood, silicone, fabric, and heavily textured paint.

  1. Clean: remove dust and oils with a lint-free cloth. For stubborn grime, use a mild soap and water rinse; let the area dry completely.
  2. Align: peel a corner, position carefully, then press the center down first.
  3. Smooth: work outward from the center with a soft card or a thumb to push air out and ensure the edges set down firmly.

Tip: give the adhesive 24 hours to fully settle before heavy handling. These are not designed for outdoor or wet conditions.

  • Gently dust with a soft, dry cloth, moving from the center outward to avoid scratching the gloss.
  • For light marks, a barely damp microfiber will lift residue — blot, don’t scrub, and dry right away.
  • Avoid bleach, solvents, abrasive pads, and steam; moisture or harsh chemicals can lift edges and fade inks.

Reminder: these stickers are not waterproof. Keep them away from sinks, outdoor exposure, and dishwasher cycles to maintain adhesion and finish.

Sizes are measured across the sticker’s longest side. For example, a 3″ sticker is 3 inches across its largest dimension (height or width, depending on the shape).

The kiss-cut follows the sticker’s outline for a tidy border; complex shapes can show small variances, but the advertised measurement refers to the maximum edge-to-edge length.